The Criteria for Picking a Leader

by Monica Patrick, Demand Media

Some companies rely on formal assessments to help find new leaders.

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President John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." Some leaders, like the ones Adams describes, rise naturally to the top, while others must be searched for. Small businesses need leaders that don't just look like leaders but can meet the challenges of the small business arena. Managers should create a criteria for leaders prior to the selection process.

Problem Solver

Leaders must tackle problems and find solutions quickly and efficiently. Evaluate each candidate's problem-solving abilities before making a decision. Besides unearthing problems or potential problems, leaders will need to explain the issue to others. Leaders must bring ideas to the table and facilitate an environment where others can contribute their suggestions. A good leader will take responsibility when things go wrong and share the glory when things go right.

Makes Decisions

Leaders must be able to make unilateral decisions and lead their team through the decision-making process. Small business leaders should be able to implement their decisions as smoothly as possible. Decisions must be made in a timely manner but leaders must weigh their decisions before implementation. Once decisions are made, a good leader will follow through during key deadlines in the process.

Communicates Well

Potential leaders should be good communicators. Leaders are an important link in the communication chain. Upper management depend on leaders to carry their ideas to employees while workers rely on leaders to carry their feedback to the employer. Inter-departmental communication is crucial too. Besides promoting communication internally, leaders must be able to share the company's vision with customers and vendors. Candidates for promotion should be persuasive but willing to listen when others have good ideas.

Organizes Tasks

Leaders organize departments, people and projects. Some small businesses use leaders to develop budgets, facilitate meetings and oversee everyday office tasks. Criteria for leaders should include good administration skills or the ability to work with qualified administrators. As the chief task organizer, leaders need to plan for the smallest details to insure the success of a project or the reaching of a company goal.

Motivates Others

An excessive amount of charisma isn't a requirement for leadership, but leaders should be able to motivate their teams. Leaders should have sincere concern for the health and wellness of their employees. These key positions should be filled by people who know how to show their appreciation and recognition to other employees regularly. A high level of enthusiasm, the ability to think positively, and vision-casting are also key criteria the hiring staff should consider.

About the Author

As a former senior sales director with Mary Kay and the co-owner of a renovation company, Monica Patrick has firsthand knowledge of small business operations. Besides start ups, she has extensive skills in recruiting, selling, leadership, makeup artistry and skin care.

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